Let's hear it for the Captain!
Pierce named Player of the Week
Celtics captain Paul Pierce was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday after helping to guide Boston to a 4-0 week while averaging a team-high 22 points to go along with 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds. A glimpse of his week from the NBA press release:
* Jan. 31 at Cleveland: Recorded 20 points, six assists and three steals in a 93-90 win over the Cavaliers.
* Feb. 1 vs. Toronto: Tallied 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds in 26 minutes in a 100-64 victory over the Raptors.
* Feb. 5 vs. Memphis: Closed the week with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists during a 98-80 victory over the Grizzlies.
Pierce was also nominated for the award the prior week but was beat out by LeBron James.
I think this just solidifies Pierce's case to be included in the All Star game. Zach Lowe of SI (among others) agrees.